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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 172

"But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more." Psalm 71:14

Text: Genesis 26:1-35

FAMINE IN THE LAND

Abraham faced the problem of famine when he came to Canaan, from Haran (Cf. Genesis 12:10-20). He had begun his walk of faith then, and did not know better, thus he ended up in Egypt! This time round, Isaac had to face a similar problem.

The problem of famine did not just affect Isaac and his immediate family! He had a lot of servants to care for as well. He also had a lot of livestock! It would be irresponsible to let them die because of the famine in the land. What should he do?

“There was famine in the land, besides the first famine
That was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech
King of the Philistines, in Gerar.”

GENESIS 26:1

1. The choice of Gerar

Isaac was familiar with the land of Gerar. This land was not affected by the famine. It seemed like a logical choice.

2. His father knew the Abimelech family

Abraham was acquainted with the Abimelech family. The name “Abimelech” may well be a title, like Pharaoh.


A WORD FROM THE LORD

Graciously, the Lord appeared to Isaac. He certainly didn’t want history to repeat itself, with Isaac going to Egypt.

“Then the Lord appeared to him and said:
‘Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which
I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with
you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give
all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore
to Abraham your father.'”

GENESIS 26:2-3

1. For the purpose of encouragement

The Lord appeared to Isaac personally to encourage him! He was there with him, despite the famine situation that had hit the land of Canaan.

2. For the purpose of instruction

The Lord wanted Isaac to learn how to obtain instruction from Him, before he decided to move from one place to another. There was clear direction given in this word.

a) He was not to go down to Egypt. He must learn to hear and obey the Lord. He will live where the Lord sends him!

b) He must take time to dwell on what the Lord had promised Abraham.

c) He must exercise his faith to believe that God would indeed perform the oath he swore to his father Abraham!